It really comes down to a bag. That’s right. One bag. If you are taking more than one bag with you on a 1-2 trip overseas, you will probably be sorry. What does one bag mean? We mean 1 20 pound or so bag that you can carry on the airplane. One bag that will get through security and easily fit under an airplane seat and will fit in the overhead compartment too. This is actually plenty of space for the things that you need on your trip. Many tourist companies that take tourists throughout Europe insist on fitting everything into one 20 pound bag.
The big reason you should fit everything into 1 carry on is that you are going to end up spending much of your time overseas dealing with your luggage. You’ll have to walk it, take it up steps, worry about it being stolen, fit it in tiny elevators, take it onto public transport and buses. Did we mention you’ll have to walk long distances with it?
Also you are going to save cash by only packing one bag. You do not have to ever worry about paying a baggage fee. As more airlines charge bag fees you will see more passengers bringing items on the plane. Be smart and get there early so that you can snag some good space for your bag.
The key to packing light in your 1 small bag is to only pack what you really need, and only take enough of things to get you started. You do not need a month’s supply of toothpaste. You just need a tiny tube to get you started. You can buy more toothpaste in Bulgaria, do not worry. That’s really the attitude you have to take. Be prepared with extra to cash to buy what you need there. If it costs you a bit more there, it’s really ok. Better to have paid $10 more for the shoes you are going to wear once than to haul them across the ocean with you and back.
Also, remember you should pack pretty much the same whether you are going for 2 weeks or 2 months. Just pack enough to get you started. You can wash and dry your clothes just about anywhere, you know. You don’t need two weeks worth of t-shirts and jeans from America to survive in Brazil for a month. One of the fun parts of traveling is going off the beaten path to buy stuff that you need. You will be able to find some cool local style clothing when you decide you need a sweater or another shirt or some pants.
Remember that in most of Europe, most adults do not wear shorts. They are very uncommon on women who are older and live in big cities. If you want to wear shorts, it’s fine, but you are going to stand out. In the south of Europe, no matter how warm it gets, adults still don’t wear shorts.
We hope that you remember to pack light on your next overseas trip because it will make it much easier.
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